Cna Module 12 - Emergency Preparedness Terminology

automated external defibrillator (AED)

A device that detects treatable life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia) and delivers the appropriate electrical shock to the patient.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing. A respiratory rate that is too slow (below 12 per min). Normal breathing rate is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.

Diaphoresis

Diaphoresis is excessive, abnormal sweating in relation to environment and activity level, and its usually a symptom of an underlying health condition.

Aphasia

Difficulty speaking; loss of language and speech, (also comprehension, reading, and writing). This impairment is usually due to injury to the brain from a stroke in the elderly.

Emergency medical services (EMS)

EMS is the acronym for Emergency Medical Services. This term refers to the treatment and transport of people in crisis health situations that may be life threatening. Emergency medical support is applied in a wide variety of situations from car accidents to drownings to incidents of heart attack.Mar 6, 2011

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, the body's main energy source.

Hemiplegia

Muscle weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body that can affect the arms, legs, and facial muscles.

Cardiac arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, which stops oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and other organs.

Recovery position

The recovery position is lying down on the lateral side of the body, to prevent airway obstruction (which can occur in the supine position).

Barrier device

a CPR mask (also called a pocket mask) is a device used to safely deliver rescue breaths during CPR.

Heimlich maneuver

a first aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions (or choking) by foreign objects.

pocket mask

a plastic mask used in CPR, placed over the victim's mouth to deliver breaths.

Tachypnea

a respiratory rate that is greater than the normal for age. The normal breathing rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths per minute (opposite of bradypnea)

defibrillator

a small electronic device surgically connected to the heart, which acts as a pacemaker. At any time the heart rate drops too low it stimulates the heart to beat faster until the normal heart rhythm returns (preventing cardiac episodes).

agitation

a state of anxiety or nervous excitement

Advance directive

a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment, often includes a living will. Ensures their wishes are carried out should they become unable to communicate to the doctor.

Hemorrhage

an escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel. It can be blood loss internally, or externally. A sign of internal bleeding is dark coffee ground vomit

Pallor

an unhealthy pale appearance.

Respiratory arrest

any point a patient stops or pauses breathing. It often occurs at the same time as cardiac arrest.

hypoventilation

breathing at an abnormally slow rate, resulting in an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Aspirate

breathing foreign objects into your airways (most likely food or saliva). Most of the time aspiration won't cause symptoms , maybe a sudden cough as your lungs try to clear out the substance.

Respiratory distress

can be fast breathing or shortness of breath due to low oxygen in the body. Skin can turn blue from poor circulation, coughing, high carbon dioxide levels in blood, muscle weakness, or organ dysfunction.

Dyspnea

difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath.

STAT

immediately

Hyperventilation

increased, rapid and deep breathing (at rest), often leaves you feeling breathless and can be caused by anxiety or panic. Leads to eliminating more carbon dioxide than the body can produce.

Hypoxia

insufficient oxygen available to the lungs. this can be caused by a blocked airway, drowning , or abnormal pulmonary function or respiratory obstruction.

Abdominal thrusts

is a first aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions (or choking) by foreign objects.

Compressions, Airway, Breathing (CAB)

mnemonic for CPR: chest Compression (30 to lower half of sternum) Airway check (chin up) Breath transfer (2 breaths are given for every 30 compressions)

Unconscious

not conscious.

Syncope

temporary loss of consciousness (fainting) caused by a fall in blood pressure.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

the emergency technique used on someone whose heart or breathing has stopped.

Do not resuscitate (DNR)

this is a medical order written by a doctor. It instructs health care providers not to do CPR if a patient' stops breathing or if their heart stops beating.

Cyanosis

when the hands, fingertips, or feet turn blue because they are not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. (when oxygen saturation is below 85%.)